check out
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out
Meanings
Leave a hotel after paying
Why “out”? Movement goes from inside to outside.
“We have to check out by 11.”
“Guests checked out after breakfast.”
“Maya and Leo checked out of the seaside hotel after breakfast.”
Look at or examine
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“Maya checked out a pair of boots in the shop window.”
“Check out this new song.”
“Check out the view from here.”
Common mistake
We have to check-out before eleven.
We have to check out before eleven.
Check out (two words) is the verb; checkout is the noun.
Natural collocations
The word partners “check out” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Test yourself
“We have to check out by 11.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
check in
A contrast learners often mix up
Register at a hotel, airport or event; Hand over luggage to be loaded onto a plane; Briefly contact someone to update them
check off
A contrast learners often mix up
Mark items on a list as done or counted
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
break out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
(of war, fire or disease) Start suddenly; Escape from a locked or guarded place
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: departure
Suddenly start laughing, crying, or making another strong sound; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) Suddenly begin loudly
call out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Shout something loudly or summon services
come out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Be revealed publicly
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “check out”.
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